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Malicious Interference Policy

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Policy on Malicious Interference

Coping with Malicious Interference By David Waters, AC4JF R.A.C.K.
Trustee

In this hobby, each of us will deal with a certain problem sooner or
later: Malicious Interference. The perpetrator is often referred to as a
“Jammer” or “QRMer” or much worse. They have the potential to totally disrupt
our communications. The irony here is that, to a large degree, we empower
them to do this. If you don’t quite understand how this is possible, please
read on.

Let’s start by looking into a Jammer’s mindset. Why do they cause QRM? I
imagine that the reasons vary greatly. Most likely it is a convenient way to
vent frustrations that build up due to severe personal inadequacies. Maybe it
is a control issue. Maybe it is a vindictive thing aimed at a certain person
or group of people. It could be some other pent up frustration or anger not
really directed toward anyone or anything in particular. These are probably
the top reasons for all QRM, although, in my opinion, to understand the exact
motivation is not critical to effectively deal with the problem.

What does the Jammer want? What do they need? What do they expect? I
believe that these are the key questions that we need to consider. The Jammer
wants to know that they are being heard. They need to know that they are
being disruptive and effective. They expect us to get angry and to show it.
Let’s look at these facts one at a time.

When a carrier appears on a frequency with bad noise or no audio, our
first instinct, being the helpful sorts that we are, is to let them know they
have a problem. It could be a legitimate station, or it could be a Jammer
testing out his setup. Keep this concept in mind and make a determination
before you comment. Sometimes this is a tricky call to make, and a wrong
decision could cause problems either way. On the one hand, if the station is
legitimate with a problem, they need to know it. On the other hand, if the
station is malicious, they don’t need to be told that they are causing
problems. If it is a legitimate station with problems, they won’t be trying
to cover anyone up. They shouldn’t “double” with someone over and over. The
carrier will appear at the “right” times, however, it will have bad or no
audio. If it is a Jammer, the carrier will appear at the “wrong” times. It
will be obvious that their timing is calculated to be disruptive. The first
well meaning, unknowing ham that says something like, “You have a good
signal, but no audio,” provides valuable information for the Jammer. The
Jammer now knows that he has at least one person’s attention and that he can
be heard.

So, what to do? During a net, the answer is easy. Always let the net
control station make the call. It’s part of their job. During a round table
discussion, the determination could be harder to make. In a one to one
conversation, it may be a little easier. No matter what the situation, listen
and think before you speak!

If you accidentally acknowledge a QRMer at this stage of the game, all
is not lost. Your plan, however, has been compromised and your defenses have
been weakened. Time will soon tell what you are truly dealing with. Once the
determination has been made that you are dealing with malicious interference,
it is critical not to acknowledge any more of their transmissions.

What now? Act. Nothing less than your best Academy Award winning
performance is called for here! Even if the QRM is so bad you didn’t hear the
other station, act like you did! Make something up if you have to. One should
develop a knack for this and be prepared to use it. This will be very
frustrating to a Jammer, and often causes the interference to cease quickly.
If the Jammer feels like they are not being very disruptive or effective,
despite their best efforts, the excitement for them quickly fades. Remember,
any comments about them, no matter how small or innocent, will reinforce the
bad behavior. Ignoring the Jammer will maintain our control, and have
positive psychological effects for us. Keeping control makes it easier to
keep cool.

Keeping cool at all times, no matter what happens, is critical. With the
last two points in mind, this third point should never come into play. The
Jammer expects us to react to them in some big way. The Jammer hopes to get a
large response out of a large number of people. Threats, promises, curses,
remarks about their parents, etceteras are never justified. They only add
fuel to the fire. If this Pandora’s Box is opened, it is hard to close it. If
you feel you must respond, TURN OFF YOUR RADIO! This has proven to be a very
efficient and effective method of dealing with a Jammer. The more skills we
develop to ignore the perpetrator, the quicker this technique works. And it
does work!

Every amateur on the frequency has to understand and play the game if
this is to be effective. Spread the word about this approach. Operate with
the mindset that any unidentifiable signal is possibly QRM. Think before you
respond! Of course, these suggestions are only a first line of defense. A
good offensive plan should also be in place in case the QRM continues in
spite of our best efforts. Direction finding, documentation, and
old-fashioned detective work will help to remove the cloak of anonymity and
build a case against the Jammer. A predetermined meeting place should be
established so that any discussion on the subject will be held on another
frequency or band, or ideally, on the telephone. Never discuss the QRM on the
afflicted frequency. Such offensive planning is very important, but it is
outside the scope of this article. Remember, the point here is to stop QRM in
its early stages and altogether prevent the need to go on the offensive.